Gen Z and Millennial professionals reveal their top employer choices
Job security is at the top of mind for young Australian workers who are looking for organisations providing growth and learning opportunities.
This is according to the 2025 Hatch Hotlist, which recently compiled a list of the top companies Gen Z and Millennial professionals want to work for.
"Security is the dominant theme this year, which didn't surprise me, given the changes in work for young Australians," said Hatch CEO Adam Jacobs in a statement.
According to Jacobs, the world of work has changed significantly thanks to AI and large language models reshaping jobs.
"The speed of that change can be unsettling, especially if you're just starting out in your career," the CEO added.
"To feel secure, we heard young people are primarily looking for job growth and learning opportunities in an AI-powered world. They are also seeking roles in flexible workplaces, where they are properly compensated."
Top firms for young Aussies
The top three organisations where young Australians want to work include Google, Canva, and Amazon. The other most attractive organisations for them include:
- ABC
- Accenture
- Adobe
- Airbnb
- Allianz
- ANZ
- Atlassian
- Canva
- Commonwealth Bank
- Deloitte
- Freelancer.com
- Macquarie Group
- NSW Government
- Qantas
- THE ICONIC
- TikTok
- Virgin Australia
- Woolworths Group
"Young Australians favour homegrown brands with strong culture, purpose, and growth pathways," the report stated.
It added that young Australians are also drawn to firms with clear career pathways, competitive pay, and job security, as well as those with a positive social, cultural, or environmental impact.
"What's exciting is that the best companies are getting really intentional about what they are offering employees," Jacobs said.
"They're building environments where people feel safe, seen, and set up to grow. That's what young Australians are asking for, and the companies voted onto the Hotlist are delivering."
Side hustles also on the rise
Meanwhile, the report also found that 80% of young Australians have a side hustle or want one, with one of the main drivers being the cost of living pressures.
Other drivers for this include the desire to pursue their passion and their goal of creating a business.
Nearly a million Australians are currently juggling multiple jobs, according to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This is about 6.5% of all employed people.
Jacobs said young employees' eagerness for side hustles should be seen as a "sign of curiosity, ownership, and drive."
"Side hustles allow team members to develop their interests and build new skills that they bring back into the business," he said.
"It also makes total sense for people to be looking to solidify their careers and expand their options. Having a plan B in this environment is an understandable instinct."
